Bursitis occurs when the bursae that are small liquid sacs with the role of cushioning and lubricating the areas between the bones and tendons, become inflamed. Trochanter bursae are larger sacs with fluid, which separate the trochanter bone, located on the side of the hip, from the hip muscles and tendons in the buttocks and thighs. The condition tends to occur more frequently in middle-aged or third-aged women compared to men or younger people.

The hip joint is the largest and most mobile joint in the body and consists of:

➢ The spherical head of the femoral bone which represents practically about 2/3 of the joint

➢ Acetabular or glenoid cavity (part of the coxal bone) in which the femoral head is fixed

Basically, the hip joint connects the femur (thigh bone) to the pelvis.

The femur, the largest bone in the body (in adults it measures 40–50 cm), has at its upper extremity the femoral head, which is connected to the body of the femur by means of the femoral gap. At the union of the femoral gap with the body of the femur there are two protruding’s called the big trochanter and the small trochanter.

These protrusions of the bone(trochanters) allow the muscles to attach to the bone. On the edge of the large trochanter is a bursa, with the role of protecting muscles and tendons. Basically the bursa acts as a small pillow or liquid bag to protect the tissues under it and over it.

One of the main tissues that runs over the top of the Trochanteric bursa is the iliotibial band. The iliotibial band is a frequently injured area in runners and can develop contractures that put pressure on the trochanteric bursa, inflaming it.

Stretching exercises of the iliotibial tract as well as of the buttock muscles can help reduce the pressure on the bursa.

➢ various minor injuries

➢ activities that require rapid joint movements or repeated twisting movements

➢ disorders of the intervertebral disc in the lower back or an arthritis of the hip

➢ side effect of a local surgery

Pain in the lateral part of the hip, as a result of inflammation of the Trochanteric bursa, begins to manifest itself as a result of a change in walking, a change of gait that can be caused by a sprained ankle or hip arthritis, by the practice of a new sport or even by a pair of new shoes. This change in walking causes the muscles located along the side of the hip and thigh to pass over the big trochanter bone and thus irritates or inflames the bursa.

Ice applied topically to the affected area, in sessions of 5-10 minutes, 3-5 times a day helps reduce inflammation and irritation. Always put a towel between the ice and the area on which it is applied. Cryotherapy may be necessary for a duration of 6-12 weeks, daily.

Walking will be limited for a while, to release muscles that aggravate bursitis.

Specific exercise programs will be practiced, stretching the muscles that put pressure on the trochanteral bursa (buttock muscles, hip and thigh muscles) but also exercises to tone the muscles and exercises to improve balance and muscle control. Having a good control of the muscles can be reduced certain unnecessary presures from certain areas of the body, such as the trochanteric bursa.

Ultrasound and electrotherapy have an important role in reducing the inflammation of the bursa and in correcting biomechanical imbalances

A very useful and fast way to reduce inflammation is the local, injectable administration of corticosteroids (strong anti-inflammatories), which together with the therapeutic measures listed above, have persistent results for bursitis

Checking the gait is important. If certain deficiencies in the biomechanics of the lower members are found, one can opt for the realization of personalized plantar supporters (banding) or the use of other orthopedic devices such as orthosis, in the case, if the gait is abnormal.

It involves the removal of the inflamed bursa, being the last treatment option, if the measures listed above do not have the expected results.

➢ If you are overweight, losing excess weight can help reduce the pressure placed on your hip joints

➢ Avoid standing or sitting down for a long period of time

➢ Avoid or reduce activities that cause pain or discomfort

➢ Anti-inflammatory medicine can help reduce pain and inflammation but are recommended for short periods of time, 7-10 days.